"Our ambulance equipment is modern and very up-to-date," said Eekhoff. "We have power cots, IV pumps with warmers, just everything is the best. I know that it is expensive but if it saves someone's life, it is worth it."

Like most EMTs and first responders, Eekhoff doesn't like accidents.

"But I like to be there to help," she said. "And in the case of accidents, we always have the help of police departments, sheriff's staff or the Iowa State Patrol. At times, we have hospital helicopters land right where the accident has taken place, if that helps with getting patients where they need to go the fastest and best way."

Eekhoff said she likes knowing that what the EMTs do makes a difference.

"We don't always have the outcomes we would like," Eekhoff said. "But when we see a person who we did CPR on and they are well, it is gratifying. To know that what we did may have saved their lives. Or we have family members who thank us later for helping them out in their time of need."